The Federal Government has set a 24-month target for completing the National Library of Nigeria project in Abuja, nearly 12 years after construction activities were abandoned, while promising prompt payments to contractors to prevent further delays.
The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the project site ahead of its formal return-to-site ceremony, scheduled for November 19, which will be performed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Alausa said contractors had fully mobilised to site and commenced construction activities, expressing confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeline.
He assured contractors that the Federal Ministry of Education would establish efficient payment processes to ensure uninterrupted construction, warning that delays in processing payments and other administrative bottlenecks must be brought to his attention.
“Our own commitment at the Federal Ministry of Education is that work will not stop for one day until we get to the point where we commission this building.
“We have put processes in place on how the contractor will request additional payment. I am going to speak publicly to all contractors and consultants today. If there are delays in processing, I need to know. I want to be bothered because this is a commitment to the Nigerian people,” he said
Alausa attributed the renewed momentum on the project to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, saying the President had directed the mobilisation of funding and the return of contractors to site.
He described the completion of the National Library as a priority of the administration, noting that the President recognised education as a foundation for national development.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows exactly what this country needs. He knows that education is the bedrock of any egalitarian society. If any society must develop, it must educate its citizens. That is why this President has placed so much emphasis on education and given us all the support we need,” Alausa said.
The minister also commended the First Lady for her sustained advocacy and personal commitment to the project, saying her intervention had contributed to securing additional funding and advancing plans for a modern National Library.
He said the First Lady’s vision extended beyond establishing a national repository of knowledge to creating an inclusive cultural and educational facility accessible to children, persons with disabilities and other members of the public.
According to him, the proposed facility will include specialised spaces for children and persons with visual and hearing impairments.
According to him, the vision is to develop a modern, inclusive national institution that would serve not only as a repository of knowledge but also as a major cultural, educational and research centre.
He said the facility would host international conferences, attract tourists and provide Nigerians with access to the country’s historical archives and cultural heritage.
Speaking during the inspection, Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), Engr Nader Yusuf, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project, assuring that it would comply with the government’s directives and agreed construction schedule.
He said the company had maintained security at the site and prevented encroachment throughout the period of inactivity.
Alausa’s visit preceded the formal flag-off of the return to site by the First Lady, scheduled for November 19.
He urged contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to work collaboratively, stressing that the government would maintain close supervision to ensure that the 2028 completion target was achieved.
